April declared Child Abuse Prevention Month

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Board of Supervisors proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in partnership with Henry County Child Advocacy and “urge all citizens to recognize this month by building a narrative of hope for children and families through collaboration and creation of an ecosystem of primary prevention that does not currently exist.”

With the proclamation defining children as our nation’s “most vulnerable members as well as our nation’s most valuable resources, helping to shape the future of Henry County, Iowa, and beyond,” Henry County ISU Extension and Outreach’s Arin Jones spoke on the importance of bringing awareness to the issue of abusing the youngest individuals in society.

“Childhood trauma can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects throughout an individual’s lifetime and impact future generations of their family,” the proclamation states. “Childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is a serious problem affecting every community in the U.S., and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone.”

The proclamation states providing positive childhood experiences like “loving caregivers and safe, stable, and nurturing relationships,” can help offset the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences and “promote the social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children.”

In addition to individuals and the community working together to provide positive childhood experiences, the proclamation encourages working together “to change hearts and mindsets,” through storytelling and sharing, centering the needs of families, breaking down bias and barriers, and inspiring action from “expected and unexpected partners in prevention.”

“We recognize the need to prioritize kids and invest in more prevention initiatives like home visiting and family-strengthening policies, economic supports, and community-based child abuse prevention programs at the national, state, and local levels,” Supervisor Chad White read from the proclamation.

One simple way the county will partner with Henry County Child Advocacy throughout the month of April will include displaying blue pinwheels on the courthouse lawn. The pinwheels are a symbol used by many child advocacy groups throughout the nation to symbolize the carefree childhoods and bright futures wished for every child.

Additionally, people across the nation will don blue April 5 to show they stand in solidarity with child abuse prevention efforts. Prevent Child Abuse America encourages those participating in Wear Blue Day to share their outfits on social media platforms with the hashtag #WearBlueDay2024 to connect with others nationwide doing the same.

Prevent Child Abuse America also calls citizens to action April 16 as they ask partners in childhood prevention to contact their members of congress and advocate for increased support and funding for child abuse prevention programs.

Easy-to-follow guidelines and templates for effectively reaching out to representatives are available on their website www.preventchildabuse.org

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com